Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media on Sunday to congratulate Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the girls' singles title at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026. In a post on X, Singh described her achievement as a proud moment for Indian sport and an inspiration for every young Indian.
"A proud moment for Indian sport! Heartiest congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the girls' singles title at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026," Singh wrote. "Your historic achievement is an inspiration for every young Indian and a testament to India's growing sporting excellence. Wishing you continued success and many more laurels for the nation."
Historic Victory on Saturday
Anahat Singh, the top seed and India's No. 1 junior player, defeated Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final held on Saturday. The straight-game victory etched her name in the record books as the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship title, surpassing Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005, which had been India's best performance at the event for over two decades.
The 2026 tournament marked a significant milestone for Indian squash, showcasing the country's rising stature in global sports. Anahat's commanding performance against a top-ranked Egyptian opponent demonstrated her dominance and composure under pressure.
Political Leaders Laud the Achievement
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also praised Anahat's historic feat. In an X post, Sarma wrote: "History created! Heartiest congratulations to @Anahat_Singh13 on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. Your determination & excellence have made the nation proud and inspired countless young athletes. Wishing you continued success."
Both leaders highlighted the significance of the victory for Indian sports, with Rajnath Singh emphasizing that it serves as a testament to India's growing sporting excellence. The congratulations from top political figures underscore the national pride in Anahat's accomplishment and the growing recognition of squash in India.
Impact on Indian Squash
Anahat's triumph is expected to inspire a new generation of squash players in India, a country where the sport has traditionally been overshadowed by cricket, badminton, and tennis. Her victory follows a series of strong performances by Indian juniors on the international stage, signaling a promising future for the sport.
Joshna Chinappa, a veteran Indian squash player who previously held the country's best junior result, congratulated Anahat on her achievement. The win also highlights the effectiveness of grassroots squash programs in India that have nurtured young talent like Anahat.
With this title, Anahat Singh has set a new benchmark for Indian squash and positioned herself as a strong contender for future senior-level competitions, including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
